WW CARBON FOOTPRINT
Top 8 tips
for recycling e-waste
As we come to the end of one financial year and head into another, CARMEL DOLLISSON reminds us to think carefully about what we do with the old computers, printers and TVs we have replaced or upgraded. Australians love their technology. We have an insatiable appetite for innovation, which is great. But we have to make sure it doesn’t come at a cost to our environment.
Stay data safe. Always wipe important or
Early indicators from retail industry analysts suggest electronic gadgets, tablet computers and televisions were particularly popular during the summer peak retail season. But with homes and businesses across Australia filled with the latest technology, what do we do with the old stuff?
1.6 million tonnes of packaging to landfill in 2012, or 36 per cent of the approximately 4.4 million tonnes we generated. So, don’t forget to thoughtfully dispose of the cardboard box and any plastic packaging that came with your new purchase, or that you have kept from your old one.
WHY RECYCLE ELECTRONIC WASTE?
personal files from your computer before taking it to any e-waste recycling service.
Packaging pollutes. Australians sent about
E-waste is produced at up to three times that of normal household waste production. It can contain toxic materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and brominated fire retardants that are hazardous, difficult to dispose of and potentially damaging to the environment.
Mark your calendar. Circle a month, even
Here are the top 8 tips for recycling your e-waste:
raw materials like metals, including precious metals, glass and plastic found in a computer can be recycled or re-used if handled by a top-notch recycling service. So, your old laptop could be reincarnated as jewellery, outdoor furniture, or in plastic fence posts in its next life if you take it to an e-waste collection site.
One in-two out. While a lot of e-waste ends up in landfill, a lot more gets stashed in cupboards, garages, spare rooms and shelves around Australia – meaning we have to keep mining our soil rather than recycling all the precious materials accessible above the ground in old technology. So, for every new piece of technology you welcome into your home, commit to recycling two unwanted pieces: that’s called the ‘1–2 rule’, or ‘one in, two out’.
twice a year, in your calendar that you will round up and dispose of all your household e-waste each year. Make it a tradition. Contact your local council to see if they will accept your e-waste.
Reincarnated relics. Over 90 per cent of the
Take it to your work. Take your inspiration to recycle to work. If you are part of a small business, like just over 50 per cent of workers in Australia, then consider how you can influence e-waste recycling in your workplace.
Maybe pool resources and do one trip to your nearest e-waste collection site with everyone’s home and office e-waste together.
Tied up in knots. Those random power cables from your old TV, computer, printer or accessory can also be recycled. Even if they are all knotted up in a drawer and you don’t know which cable belongs to which device – take them to your nearest e-waste site. Thanks to recycling, something beautiful could be made out of it!
Pay it forward. If your computer or TV is still in good working condition, give it to a family member or friend. Encourage your friends and family to get involved and take responsibility for their e-waste. Lead by example and help out those who may need it. Why not collect your grandparents’ or parents’ e-waste and make sure it is also recycled responsibly. n
CONTACT Carmel Dollisson BUSINESS TechCollect PHONE 1300 229 837
www.techcollect.com.au
The largest voice telephony company on the East coast of Australia and throughout Asia Pacific. abn: 21 092 489 364
This is Nell Sanderson, a member of the Women’s
This is Nell Sanderson, a member of Women’s Network Australia. Network Australia - Give her a call for all your VoiceIVR. Give her a call for all your Voice Telephony requirements including
Telephony requirements including IVR. Call Nell now on 1800 777 428
Contact Nell now on 1800 777 428 or www.McGirvanMedia.com Look who’s been with us for 20 plus years
Winter 2014 n WORKING WOMEN® 31